Guyana on Thursday joined with the rest of the world in celebrating the life of former South African President Nelson Mandela. The Government of South Africa announced Mandela’s death on Thursday evening. He had been ailing for years.
Guyana’s President Donald Ramotar in a message in memory of Mandela, said “this loss is not just one for the people of South Africa, but for Africa as a whole, and the world at large. Nelson Mandela was a giant in defence of human rights and for a free and just society, not only for his beloved South Africans, but for the oppressed the world over.”
Mr. Ramotar said the world is much poorer after Mandela’s passing “for he was one of the most outstanding statesmen of all time.”
According to the President,”the struggle he led with other distinguished anti-apartheid fighters has entered into the annals of world history as one of the most defining periods in our world. However, it was not only the struggle, but the manner in which it was conducted which will always remain an example and an inspiration for others working for social and economic justice everywhere.”
He said Mandela was truly the Father of his Nation, who tirelessly devoted his life to serving the people of South Africa with humility and dignity in leadership, and an unwavering commitment to preserving that hard won unity and the pride of liberation.
The Opposition A Partnership for National Unity in a statement issued on Thursday night said Nelson Mandela was a leader whose trans-formative life became a symbol of resistance and triumph over racial segregation and all forms of institutionalized apartheid.
“Nelson Mandela never wavered in his devotion to democracy, equality and learning. Despite terrible provocation, he chose forgiveness instead of hate. His life has been and will continue to be an inspiration to all, who are oppressed and deprived, to all who are opposed to oppression and deprivation around the World”, the statement added.
Nelson Mandela who led the anti apartheid struggle in South Africa and was jailed for his fight against injustices was awarded of the Noble Peace Prize just after his release from prison. He would go on to be elected South Africa’s first black President. He died at the age of 95.
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